Scam Alert. Unfortunately, many cars and trucks flooded in recent hurricanes will wind up for sale by unscrupulous dealers to unsuspecting customers. Here’s how to avoid getting soaked by buying a vehicle that is – simply – dangerous to drive. Electronics, including computer chips, hate water. Since modern vehicles are heavy on electronics, water damage could short-circuit brakes, airbags, … [Read more...]
Scam Alert: College Loan Debt Relief
Scam Alert: College, and the student loans to pay for it, are expensive enough without being cheated by companies claiming to reduce that loan debt for a fee. Strategic Student Solutions and several related companies have been shut down by the Federal Trade Commission for falsely promising to reduce or eliminate student debt and offering non-existent credit repair services, for a monthly … [Read more...]
How to Avoid Identity Theft While on Vacation
SCAM ALERT Everyday, it seems, we hear about hacking, identity theft or some other invasion of our digital privacy. Here's how to protect your online life from cyber criminals on the road, because vacations are not the time to relax your personal safety, including taking internet security precautions. Before You Go Patch Up. Check all your electronic devices for software updates, both … [Read more...]
Scam Alert: Dynamic Currency Conversion
Scam alert: Dynamic Currency Conversion. It's the newest twist on foreign transaction fees, and the newest way way to rip you off when you travel. If an overseas trip on your summer getaway horizon it's worth knowing, or being reminded of, the best ways to avoid, or at least minimize, foreign transaction fees when you pay by credit card. Add-on fees are universally despised by travelers. Those … [Read more...]
Scam Alert: Chipotle Credit Card Breach
If you used a credit card or debit card to purchase anything recently at Chipotle Mexican Grill, you could be a victim of credit card fraud or identity theft. Chipotle is working with authorities to identify customers at risk. At issue is what Chipotle calls "malware" designed to steal information from customer credit cards and debit cards at certain Chipotle and Pizzeria Local restaurants, … [Read more...]
Scam Alert: Kars4Kids Car Donation Charity
Scam alert: You've heard the catchy jingle on radio and TV hundreds of times. But Kars4Kids may not be what it seems. The car donation charity is being accused of misleading donors, along with misuse of funds. Charity watchdog and rating groups like Charity Navigator and Charity Watch give Kars4Kids low-to-failing ratings, in part because of the costly non-stop 1-877-Kars4Kids commercials with … [Read more...]
Scam alert: restaurant upselling tactics
Scam alert: restaurant upselling. Ever wonder why your restaurant bill is so much more than you expected? It's probably because restaurant employees are trained to lure you to ordering more, and higher priced menu items, than you planned. What used to be called "bait-and-switch" is now called upselling, and restaurants are not alone in the practice. Everybody from real estate agents to … [Read more...]
Keeping your digital life safe on vacation
Everyday, it seems, we hear about hacking, identity theft or some other invasion of our digital privacy. Here's how to protect your online life from cyber criminals on the road, because vacations are not the time to relax your personal safety, which includes taking internet security precautions. Before You Go Patch Up. Check all your electronic devices for software updates. That means both … [Read more...]
How to file your taxes for free
April 15th will be here before you know it. Here's how to file your 2016 taxes for FREE online, even get free help preparing the documents, and a couple of low-cost options if you don't qualify for the tax filing freebies. Note that some free services are not available to homeowners, taxpayers with itemized deductions, or those whose incomes or age are over a certain threshold level. Also, … [Read more...]
Scam alert: Can you hear me phone fraud
Scam alert: Thieves want your own voice to rip you off. Beware of callers who ask, Can you hear me? Or are you a homeowner? Or another other question designed to make you say "yes". It's the newest phone scam. It works this way: The scammer is recording you, so if you answer "yes", they've got you on tape, to use your own voice as evidence you agreed to a purchase. Consumer protection … [Read more...]
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